Fontanel – Barbara Mandrell’s former home

Okay, I hate to admit it, but we thought we were going to see an antebellum mansion. Until we drove in and bought the ticket and saw Barbara Mandrell’s touring bus, we didn’t realize just what we were signing up for, but I have to say, it was a wonderful misstep.

Built by Mandrell’s husband, this was the home where Barbara and her three children lived for several years. Our tour guide shared that this is the largest log cabin ever built. The home, situated on the 136 acre property and the home is comprised of 27,000 square feet.

Filled with items owned by the Mandrell family and memorabilia of other bands like Alabama and Big & Rich, clients of the current owners, there is something for every country music fan to enjoy. The tour takes about an hour and fifteen minutes and the guides allow you to wander and take pictures and even touch items and sit on furniture. This is a great tour with lots of wonderful photo opportunities.

The statue depicted in the picture shows the bronze that the Mandrells had built to depict their faith and thanks for their wonderful life. Open seven days a week from 9-3 Fontanel is located at 4225 Whites Creek Pike, Nashville, Tennessee.

Also onsite is a great restaurant where we stopped to eat Café Fontanella by Amicio’s. All of the guides here are musicians and perform. Musical acts perform on a regular basis, the day we were there a concert was planned and they were expecting 4,000 visitors.

Visitors can also tour the Southern Living Idea home and take a trip on the new country music zipline!
Log onto www.fonatnelmassion.com for more information.